All Hands Needed- please spread the word.

We urge you to read this entire note, repost it, send to your email contacts, etc. and remember what Einstein said. "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."

One of the charities Salute to Firefighters raises money for (the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation) is the fund that John McNamara started. The Foundation would like us to remind everybody that their work is still not complete and that the Foundation remains active. And, in John’s name, they will continue to see out ill/injured FDNY members who may require support. Since their inception, they have donated over $10,000 to FDNY members. Their work is difficult and their financial situation is dire and funds are urgently needed to continue the work of John McNamara (please see: http://www.adamsangels.org/johnnymac/index.htm for our tribute page to John).

As you know, the 4th Annual Salute to Firefighters will be held on Thursday, September 24th at Saloon in NYC. This event is a celebration of life and a way to remember all those we have lost through the years. We ask that you continue to promote Salute to Firefighters to your friends, colleagues and contacts so that we can continue to properly honor our fallen heroes and recognize the sacrifices New York’s Bravest make everyday. This year, we really would like to raise as much money as possible for the Adam’s Angels Brother-2-Brother partner charities--- especially the fund that John McNamara started, it’s the least we can do for those who have given so much of themselves, so selflessly. Even if people cannot attend our event, they can at least make a donation and know that every single penny is going to the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation and the FDNY VFW--- that’s right, absolutely no overhead is directed to the charities (how many events can truly say that?). This year, more than ever, we need everyone to pitch in and thank you for your continued support. Tickets to Salute to Firefighters are available online via Paypal (at the top of http://www.adamsangels.org/2009event/index.htm). You can also download the event flyer and read about the event on that webpage. Advance tickets include a free drink and are $5 for “Brotherhood” (firefighter/emt/military/veteran) and $15 for “Friends.”

For those of you who are unaware, last summer, we were in the beginning stages of developing the Adam’s Angels Brother-2-Brother initiative. We spoke with many different nonprofit charities to see who we wanted to partner with--- who’s mission and values were in line with what we were looking to do (support the guys who were sick with WTC illnesses and those coming back from the wars injured) and who’s money went directly to helping those who needed it most, rather than spent frivolously on other expenses. Having said that, when we spoke with the founders of the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation (who actually were/are dealing with their own illnesses while advocating for others), we immediately realized that they were ones who were getting it done, setting out to do the right thing and making sure that FDNY members who were sick would be taken care of. If that doesn’t exemplify the true meaning of “brotherhood,” what does? The other partner we selected was the SSGT Christian Engeldrum FDNY Veterans of Foreign War Post #12033, another group of FDNY members who give so much of themselves for others- NYC firefighters who have been to war for our country and give back to those service members who have been injured while fighting for our country. Another amazing organization that we cannot help but be honored to be involved with. We are proud to have partnered with both of these outstanding non-profit organizations through the Adam’s Angels Brother-2-Brother initiative and urge you to learn more about them (see: http://www.adamsangels.org/brothertobrother).

Together, we will make sure that those who put others first are ALWAYS taken care of and that their sacrifices are NEVER forgotten.

Thank you for your support and please circulate this message.

-Adam’s Angels

Adam’s Angels have never and will never directly accept donations. However, we work tirelessly to help promote and raise funds for various causes that we believe in to help keep the memory of firefighter Adam D. Rand (FDNY Squad 288 & Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department) alive. Adam was killed on September 11, 2001 while saving others. Please visit our website: www.adamsangels.org for more information.